Senior Sales Compensation Manager

The Company: Cognex Corporation

Cognex is the global leader in the exciting and growing field of machine vision. With over $900 million of cash in the bank and no debt, we are a financially strong international company with a culture that maintains the fast paced, creative environment of a startup. Our employees, proudly called "Cognoids," take their work seriously, but don't take themselves seriously. Our Work Hard, Play Hard, Move Fast culture recognizes our employees for their innovation, perseverance and hard work in a fun, rewarding, and quirky environment.

The Role

The successful candidate will be the global lead for evaluating and executing the sales compensation programs and its effectiveness with sales leaders, Employee Services (ES) business partners, Sales Operations (SOPS), Finance and Legal. This role will serve as the sales compensation subject matter expert (SME) for global sales team and will gain alignment between central compensation strategy teams and global sales leadership on innovative compensation proposals and policy changes. This position will report to the Senior Director, Global Total Rewards based in Natick (outside Boston), United States. There is an opportunity to expand the team and grow the remit of this role as the company grows. The successful candidate is required to work onsite for three days a week in the Natick office.

Essential Functions

• Deep experience in designing and implementing variable compensation plans and programs, including Management by Objectives (MBO) plans, Activity-based bonus plans and sales performance incentive fund formula (SPIFF).

• Partner closely with Finance/SOPS on the design and implementation of sales incentives plan (via design of sales jobs, pay mixes) for maximum effectiveness

• Develop, implement and lead sales compensation communication and training programs for managers and ES

• Engage in industry sales compensation forums to stay current on best practices and bring those insights into the design process

• Recommend changes that are cost-effective and consistent with sales compensation trends and company objectives

• Manage annual sales compensation philosophy and structure while partnering with SOPS on plan, quota and territory design for a 900+ global sales reps to ensure the commission plans align with the overall company strategy

• Close collaboration with Executives and Sales Leadership to ensure timely roll-out of plan design and distribution to global sales reps

• Create/review compliance guidance and policies, such as temporary coverage and global draw policy, for global consistency

• Design and manage the annual President's Club guidelines and contests, including proposals for spots to be earned by global sales teams while ensuring alignment to budget and work closely with Executives, Sales Leadership, SOPS, Corporate Communications and Global Events teams

• Provide best in class and current sales compensation drivers to incent global sales organization to sell effectively and strive for overachievement

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Deep understanding of sales and sales operations roles, and specific experience providing compensation support in a fast-paced technology environment

• Ability to partner with sales leaders effectively with a customer first mindset

• Demonstrated ability to quickly establish professional credibility and effective working relationships

• Keen instincts for solving complex issues using strong analytical and creative problem-solving skills

• Strong process orientation, numerical aptitude and attention to detail

• Effective organizational, time management and project management skills

• Able to adapt to rapidly changing environment and enjoy working in a fast-paced culture

• Excellent interpersonal, communication and presentation skills

• Commercial awareness and understanding of business & financial concepts

• Intermediate to Advanced Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint experience

• Ability to work independently is required

• Workday experience a plus, but not required

Minimum education and work experience required

• Bachelor's degree in business, Finance, HR or equivalent is desired

• Minimum 10 years of global sales compensation experience

• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in a similar role is highly desirable, including experience working at a consulting firm or a global, matrix technology company

• Previous role(s) at a SaaS or technology focused company with a global sales team at scale

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Cognex is an equal opportunity employer. Cognex evaluates qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, protected veteran status, disability/handicap status or any other legally protected characteristic.